Imagine the pressure of being grilled in public by a legislative committee, just to keep your job for another eight years.

Somehow, Judge Robert Brunetti of Goshen survived this ordeal in April 2010. At the time, Brunetti seemed pretty juiced about serving another eight years.

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Then, something happened.

A revived state police investigation into the killing of Mary Badaracco - one of Connecticut's most notorious cold cases - generated tremors throughout this state's law enforcement, court and political establishments. The reader should note this well: Those establishments are all one and the same.

At Brunetti's confirmation hearing, state Senators Andrew McDonald - now a state Supreme Court Justice - and Danbury's Michael McLachan asked the only questions.

First, McDonald: "Thanks for your patience this morning. Worth it for an eight-year term, though, I guess. Right?"

Brunetti: "Yes."

Whew, that was rough, the committee version of a brushback pitch to keep the batter on his toes. Who would drop the heavy artillery on the unsuspecting judge?

McLachan: "Thank you, judge, for your service to the state. I - I guess we're all feeling better about our golf game knowing that Judge Satter is still playing and enjoying the game. And knowing that you're an accomplished golfer, I hope that that means good success for you, both on the bench but also on the golf course. I just want to let the residents of our state know that -- that you are a Danbury man, who we are very proud of for your service, both as a state's attorney and now as a judge, and wish you well in your continued service to the state."

Who knew? If not for Brunetti's reputation as a good golfer, he might not ever have made it through this tortuous process. We can only hope other state workers never have to endure such a grilling.

As the months moved on, the Badaracco grand jury would start hearing witnesses.

Even before the first witnesses were sworn in, Dominic Badaracco seemed to know about the secret proceedings. Badaracco had a need to know. He is the prime suspect in the killing of his wife, Mary, nearly 29 years ago.

Badaracco, now 77, went on trial Monday in Bridgeport, accused of bribing Judge Brunetti with an offer of $100,000 in an attempt to influence the grand jury proceedings. Although no body was ever found, state police, the State's Attorney and Gov. William O'Neill reclassified the Sherman case as a homicide in 1990.

As the grand jury proceeded, Badaracco's friend and business partner Ronald "Rocky" Richter called their mutual friend, Brunetti, asking about the grand jury. Before becoming a prosecutor and a judge, Brunetti was a business lawyer for Badaracco and Richter. As youngsters, Brunetti and Richter worked together as caddies.

Brunetti, at lunch with fellow judges, asked about the grand juror's role. Brunetti confirmed the existence of the grand jury to Richter, the warrant for Badaracco's arrest reveals. That, in itself, could have made Brunetti the target of an investigation or part of a conspiracy.

Brunetti ultimately told investigators he declined to help. He quoted Badaracco as saying to him: "I'm only gonna say this one time ... it's worth a hundred G's." Brunetti said he was stunned and hung up the phone: "I understood that it was about the Badaracco murder and he was asking me to have some sort of influence over the outcome of the grand jury ... like sweeping it under the rug." In turn, Brunetti understood, he would receive compensation.

Brunetti began acting as a cooperating witness. His phone was wired. Brunetti called Richter, who was with Badaracco. "Rocky, Brunes ... ," Brunetti said in a call to Richter on Dec. 2, 2010. "Hey listen, I found out some information ... Is Dominic around there?"

Speaking to Badaracco, Brunetti continued, "There may be somethin' I can do for you. I wasn't sure I could, but there may be somethin' I can do, to help you out ... uh, don't tell Rocky. Just keep this between me and you."

They agreed to meet the next day at the Bagel Man in Danbury. Badaracco then changed the meeting site, saying "Bobby ... Meet me North Street Shopping Center [Burlington Coat Factory]."

Investigators prepared Brunetti with digital recording devices. While on route, however, Brunetti reported receiving a call from Richter saying Badaracco could not attend. Was Badaracco sending Richter as a front? Was Brunetti shying away from meeting Richter alone? Was the "Don't tell Rocky" line a hint?

Among many unanswered questions is this: If Brunetti was able to have a meeting that day--even with Richter alone--what additional evidence might have developed?

Badaracco's trial had been postponed several times since last fall. Brunetti's enthusiasm for the new eight-year term waned. On Feb. 21, 2013, Brunetti wrote to Chief Court Administrator Barbara Quinn: "I plan on retiring in December 2013." By that time, Brunetti could be eligible for a 30-year state pension.

Cool Justice has learned there were additional efforts to delay the trial yet again. Stay tuned. And here's last week's column http://tinyurl.com/kdky6x4 about some of the players.

Andy Thibault is a contributing editor for Journal Register Co.'s Connecticut publications and the author of Law & Justice In Everyday Life. He formerly served as a commissioner for Connecticut's Freedom of Information Commission. Reach Thibault by email at tntcomm82@cs.com. Follow him on Twitter @cooljustice.